The Great Performing Arts Cull - $2.5 million impact in Queensland

The Coalition Government’s funding cuts to the Australia Council will have a devastating impact on the live performance industry in Queensland according to new analysis by Live Performance Australia.

LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said three small to medium performing arts companies had lost all of their operational funding from the Australia Council, while another company had its funding reduced.

‘Live performance companies in Queensland have lost a total of $2.5 million through funding cuts or reductions in their funding allocation for the Australia Council four year funding round.

‘These cuts are the legacy of the Coalition’s 2015 budget which slashed $110 million in funding from the Australia Council.

‘The cuts in Queensland include the defunding of the highly acclaimed Queensland Music Festival which supported live music performances across regional and rural areas of the state, ensuring that Queenslanders from all walks of life had the opportunity to participate in and enjoy live music events.

‘At a time when the Government talks about supporting jobs, growth and innovation, it is doing exactly the opposite for Australia’s $2.5 billion live performance industry which employs 34,000 Australians,’ Ms Richardson said.

Live Performance Australia is calling for the return of $72.8 million in funding to the Australia Council to ensure the ongoing viability and growth of our small to medium companies which are a critical part of the live performance industry.

Queensland performing arts companies defunded by the Australia Council include:• Just Us Theatre Ensemble• Queensland Music Festival• Southern Cross Soloists Music

Circa had its funding from the Australia Council reduced.

LPA is still seeking a meeting with the Minister for the Arts, Senator Fifield, to discuss the funding cuts and its policy priorities for the live performance industry. Meetings have been held with the ALP and the Greens.

LPA is also calling on the Queensland Government to outline its strategy to support performing arts companies affected by funding cuts or reductions to ensure the state continues to support a growing and dynamic live performance industry.